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Everyone is gunning for Apple

We are squarely in the middle of a point in history where the speed of innovation is causing entrepreneurs, innovators and investors to question everything they know about business.

Never have we witnessed a point in time when companies that were thought to be bulletproof so quickly fall into the trash heap labeled: has been and wanna be.

To be an established technology company in such an environment is an exercise in prescription drug dependance and paranoia. To be an up and coming technology entrepreneur during such a time is an exercise in opportunity and limitless possibility.

Ten years ago investors thought companies like Microsoft (MSFT), Cisco (CSCO) and Yahoo (YHOO) possessed the dominance and relative value necessary to blossom into investments that would put their kids through college, fund an expensive bathroom with an odd looking sink, or perhaps support an addiction that had become way too fun to give up. Instead these companies have been left behind by investors as technology has already turned them into dinosaurs.

Even worse than becoming a dinosaur is becoming a fossil embedded in solid rock, covered up by mounds of dirt. Companies like Palm, Nokia (NOK), Vonage (VG), Sirius (SIRI) and Research In Motion (RIMM) are all flashes in the pan. Judging by that list, it would seem that the world of wireless is the fastest moving technology innovator. And why wouldn't it be? We use these devices nearly every single minute of every single day. They are the devices that have come the furthest in terms of innovation over the past five years. They are also the devices that will see the most changes and innovative add-ons in the next 5-10 years.

With all this said, here is a list of three companies that should keep you up at night if you are a long-term investor in any of the names. Their futures, while appearing solid, are anything but due to the whims of the modern day consumer, the speed of the technology cycle and the path that technology is currently taking:

AAPL (AAPL): Cult following. Everybody has at least one of their devices. There is nothing but a circle of love and

praise being hailed upon the company. It recently made plans to build a circular spaceship type of office. Pretty cool. At the same time, it reminds me of other grandiose plans that have marked the top of not just companies, but entire civilizations of people.

The bottom line with AAPL is that it is a maker of gadgets. Gadgets will only get you so far before consumers and technology move onto other products and companies that are moving in even more unique directions.

The entire world of technology is focused on taking market share away from AAPL. The past decade of innovations, led by Apple, have forced technology companies around the world to look as far down the road as possible to create the next iPod, iPhone or iPad. The best innovators and minds around are all targeting Steve Jobs and his seemingly invincible product line.